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AIBU?

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Original poster

To not leave a tip on principle

219 replies

MyNeatLimeCat · 18/12/2024 00:02

Had a pub meal with a group, main courses (burgers, curries etc) cost £20. An 'optional' service charge is listed on the bill.

£2 or £4 isn't going to break the bank. But I just don't want to support the system, on principle.

I don't want to cause group drama either. What should I do in this situation?

OP posts:
weareallcats · 18/12/2024 00:33

I believe in tipping, unless the service was absolutely dire.

Maray1967 · 18/12/2024 00:32

MyNeatLimeCat · 18/12/2024 00:16

I also have worked in a pub/restaurant. Dish washer, cleaner, bar staff and wait staff.

Dish washer is the hardest one. Would you leave a tip for your dish washer too?

Show quote history

Where I worked, the dishwashers were paid more than the waiting staff.

Original poster
MyNeatLimeCat · 18/12/2024 00:29

SausageinaBun · 18/12/2024 00:08

I'm not convinced that you are going to change the system by not tipping.

You are almost certainly correct there.

OP posts:
MumChp · 18/12/2024 00:29

"Optional charge"? (they don't ask you about it they just add it!) - don't expect me to pay an extra amount of money on top. No way.

Guest100 · 18/12/2024 00:28

Don’t pay service charge and leave a cash tip maybe. In Australia the service charge is a percentage(I think, I don’t go out that often) on Sundays and public holidays. It’s expensive to eat out so rarely do. Most people don’t tip in Australia. Is tipping a thing in the UK?

IKEAJesus · 18/12/2024 00:25

MyNeatLimeCat · 18/12/2024 00:22

Additional tip?! Good grief, are we now expected to pay tips on top of a service charge?

I mean the 'optional' service charge.

Show quote history

That’s what I hoped you meant - I saw a thread on here a while back that said you should tip on top of the service charge. Which is a definite “no” in my book!

JingleB · 18/12/2024 00:24

Yeah, you’re really sticking it to the man and standing up to capitalism by not tipping hospitality workers. Karl Marx would be proud.

(many restaurants split the tips between everyone in shift, including dishwashing staff)

Original poster
MyNeatLimeCat · 18/12/2024 00:22

IKEAJesus · 18/12/2024 00:16

Are you talking about leaving an additional tip or not paying the “optional” service charge?

I don’t tip if there’s a service charge added, but wouldn’t ask for it to be taken off the bill unless service was appalling.

Additional tip?! Good grief, are we now expected to pay tips on top of a service charge?

I mean the 'optional' service charge.

OP posts:
Original poster
MyNeatLimeCat · 18/12/2024 00:20

BurgundyBear · 18/12/2024 00:09

What system are you not supporting?
Would you have tipped anyway?

I don’t see the problem here personally.

If you’ve had shit service, then yes, by all means don’t tip.
But if you haven’t, then tip. Be that via an ‘optional’ tip or leaving your own amount.

Two systems, first the expectation of getting a tip for doing your job adequately well. But only certain jobs! No tips for McDonalds staff. Do they work less hard?

Second the practice of adding 'optional' tips to bills.

OP posts:
Coffeebreakneeds · 18/12/2024 00:16

Never tip unless in a group like this and I do to make things easy. You pay enough for the meal as it is, I can't afford to pay an extra amount on top when most of the time they just bring you your meal as expected which is already included in the cost. Plenty of jobs are minimum wage without a tip system.

IKEAJesus · 18/12/2024 00:16

Are you talking about leaving an additional tip or not paying the “optional” service charge?

I don’t tip if there’s a service charge added, but wouldn’t ask for it to be taken off the bill unless service was appalling.

Original poster
MyNeatLimeCat · 18/12/2024 00:16

Maray1967 · 18/12/2024 00:07

I used to be a waitress. I always leave a tip. If you were in my group and you didn’t, I’d pay more to cover yours. But I’ve never been out with anyone who refused to tip.

I also have worked in a pub/restaurant. Dish washer, cleaner, bar staff and wait staff.

Dish washer is the hardest one. Would you leave a tip for your dish washer too?

OP posts:
PullTheBricksDown · 18/12/2024 00:13

Can you explain your problem with the system? I tip in pubs (unless it's all been terrible, of course) as the staff have still had to prepare the meals, take them out etc

Secondguess · 18/12/2024 00:11

I don't think the service charge has to be paid to the staff anyway, so can understand your position. I've seen waiting staff complain that the service charge mainly goes to management and a small percentage is split between the other staff, (waiting staff, kitchen staff etc) who are then taxed on it.

StormingNorman · 18/12/2024 00:09

Always tip.

morningbell · 18/12/2024 00:09

Ultimately you can do whatever you want. I'd think less of you for not paying it however, especially if there were no issues with the service.

BurgundyBear · 18/12/2024 00:09

What system are you not supporting?
Would you have tipped anyway?

I don’t see the problem here personally.

If you’ve had shit service, then yes, by all means don’t tip.
But if you haven’t, then tip. Be that via an ‘optional’ tip or leaving your own amount.

SausageinaBun · 18/12/2024 00:08

I'm not convinced that you are going to change the system by not tipping.

Maray1967 · 18/12/2024 00:07

I used to be a waitress. I always leave a tip. If you were in my group and you didn’t, I’d pay more to cover yours. But I’ve never been out with anyone who refused to tip.

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